Camp host killing at Fresno County park continues to baffle homicide detectives

The July 19 slaying of 69-year-old James Buford, a caretaker for rural Winton Park, was a “senseless act of violence against an old man,” one of the victim’s sons said Wednesday night.

Detectives from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office continue to try to establish a motive for the fatal shooting.

Buford, a Sanger resident, worked under contract with the county as a camp host at the park in eastern Fresno County, providing on-site security at one of 13 such parks.

Sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti in an update Wednesday said “homicide detectives have been unable to develop information about a possible suspect or suspects.”

Deputies responded to the scene around 10:30 p.m. after a utility worker found an injured person that turned out to be Buford near Piedra and Elwood roads, close to the park. Buford was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died.

Botti on Wednesday called Buford “a truly innocent victim. It’s a truly tragic situation.”

Unlike many homicides, in which gangs or drugs play a part, Botti said “this is just a cowardly act.”

It was ironic that Buford would be slain in the Winton Park area, a place he roamed his entire life as a man who loved the outdoors, his son said.

“He grew up in Tivy Valley, and Reedley, doing cattle work,” said son James Buford Jr.

“He always helped friends and family in the area,” he added.

In addition to working with cattle and horses, the elder Buford worked security for packing sheds and drove trucks during his life.

“He was a great guy who reared me and my two brothers (Kody and Jason),” James Buford Jr. said. “He taught us how to fish, and shoot, and hunt.

“He was doing his job and taking care of responsibilities the way he should. I hope somebody comes forward (to identify the person involved in the slaying.)“

Botti asked that anyone with additional information call detective Rudy Tafoya at 559-600-8207 or Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 to provide information while remaining anonymous and receive a $2,000 cash reward.

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This story was originally published July 26, 2023 at 4:27 PM.